GEO 101: Global Forces, Local Diversity                                        GEO 101 Syllabus This is an introductory, contemporary global geography course that uses regional examples and case studies. The course emphasizes use of human geographic concepts to analyze contemporary issues and problems in a variety of global, regional, and local settings. The two 75 minute class periods per week include lectures that are complemented by discussions, debates, and case-method exercises. These exercises expand and illustrate lecture material and allow students to personally engage in the topics, controversies and issues raised. GEO 401/501: Sustainable Regions                                            GEO 401/501 Syllabus   In recent years, sustainable development and other sustainability-related concepts have become widely-used -- and often abused.  In this course we examine the meaning, importance and empirical applicability of concepts associated with sustainability. We apply concepts such as ecological, economic, and equity-based sustainability (the 3 Es of sustainability), the land ethic, ecological footprint, human-modified and native ecosystems, urban sprawl, and local food systems to real world urban and suburban landscapes. We explore ways in which sustainable as well as unsustainable paradigms and practices have emerged, and how sustainable regions are being created. We analyze the sustainability of human activities with particular reference to geographical scales from local to global. GEO/LAS 499.7/599.7: Sustainable Development and Ecotourism in the Eastern Caribbean GEO 499.7/599.7 Syllabus  Students in this course experience first-hand the challenges of, and progress toward, sustainable development in the Eastern Caribbean country of Dominica, the self-proclaimed “Nature Island”. Students explore tropical island ecosystems, engage with our Dominican partners who are working to achieve sustainable development, and make their own contributions through hands-on participatory development projects. The trip also includes briefer time in the neighboring country of Antigua, which more heavily focuses on conventional tourism. Comparisons between the two countries provide insights into alternative approaches to tourism and development.Ecological Restoration course, Spring semester 2011; 3 credits; Wednesdays 2:15 – 4:45pmInstructors: Professor Hays Cummins and Professor Thomas KlakThis course is hands-on and experientially- and practically-focused. Students will: learn to read local landscapes (forested areas, prairies, wetlands, riparian corridors) for signs of historical and contemporary degradation and habitat quality. learn practical ways to distinguish significant local plants and animals (terrestrial & aquatic) including desirable native species, exotic species, and invasive ones. learn how to apply ecological restoration knowledge to restore and enhance a variety of habitat types, including woodlands, riparian corridors, wetlands, prairies, and backyard landscapes. design and execute a 'restoration action plan' on a local ecosystem. The instructors have many years of firsthand experience with ecological restoration in our region, and between them personally manage 35 acres of permanently protected land for habitat richness and biodiversity Ecological Restoration course, Spring 2011: Ecological Restoration Syllabus Course Website: Click Here  Instructors: Professor Hays Cummins and Professor Thomas Klak This course is hands-on and experientially- and practically-focused. Students will: • learn to read local landscapes (forested areas, prairies, wetlands, riparian corridors) for signs of historical and contemporary degradation and habitat quality. • learn practical ways to distinguish significant local plants and animals (terrestrial & aquatic) including desirable native species, exotic species, and invasive ones. • learn how to apply ecological restoration knowledge to restore and enhance a variety of habitat types, including woodlands, riparian corridors, wetlands, prairies, and backyard landscapes. • design and execute a 'restoration action plan' on a local ecosystem. • The instructors have many years of firsthand experience with ecological restoration in our region, and between them personally manage 35 acres of permanently protected land for habitat richness and biodiversity.